When it comes to the wallpapers and wall coverings people choose, they tend to play it safe.

Whilst some people might have an accent wall, for the most part, homeowners tend to choose subtle patterns in neutral shades.

This is sometimes because neutral shades make a room look bigger, which makes it feel more inviting, or it can sometimes be used to make the furniture, furnishings or wall decorations the star of the show.

However, a wall covering chosen well with the help of a wallpaper specialist can create a dramatic, personal and beautiful statement, whether as part of an ornate room design or a dramatic accent.

However, brave statements can sometimes be a risk, and to minimise it as much as possible, here are some dos and don’ts of statement wallpaper.

Do Consider The Floor

Whilst when wallpapering we tend to think about a room’s four walls, less attention is paid to the ceiling and especially the floor.

However, it is important when making a bold design statement to ensure that it fits your flooring. A rich, luxurious pattern may contrast badly with an off-white soft-pile carpet, for example.

Don’t Mix And Match Patterns

Whilst you can mix a flat shade and a more ornate accent wall, do not use more than one different type of wallpaper in a room. Even if you pick the seemingly most complementing patterns it never works and only makes a room feel cluttered, busy and a complete mess.

Do Consider Pattern Size

The general rule of thumb for wallpaper patterns is that the bigger the room, the bigger the pattern you should use.

An oversize print works perfectly for a large room such as a hall or dining table, but smaller patterns suit smaller rooms such as home offices better.

At the same time, however…

Don’t Overwhelm A Small Room

For particularly small spaces such as bathrooms, some particularly striking patterns can be too much.

This does not mean you cannot use a bold wallpaper design in a small room, but instead choose your design carefully and break up the design with panelling or a matching shade.